Insights from the clinical assurance of service reconfiguration in the NHS: the drivers of reconfiguration and the evidence that underpins it – a mixed-methods study

Imison C, Sonola L, Honeyman M, Ross S, Edwards N
Record ID 32015000519
English
Authors' objectives: The objectives of this research are to determine the current pressures for reconfiguration within the NHS in England and the solutions proposed. We also investigate the quality of evidence used in making the case for change, any key evidence gaps, and the opportunities to strengthen the clinical case for change and how it is made.
Authors' recommendations: The NHS is continuing to concentrate many district general hospital services to resolve financial and workforce pressures. However, many proposals are not implemented owing to public opposition. We also found no evidence to suggest that this will deliver the savings anticipated. There is a significant gap in the evidence about safe staffing models and the appropriate balance of junior and senior medical as well as other clinical staff. There is an urgent need to carry out research that will help to fill the current evidence gap. There is also a need to retain some national clinical expertise to work alongside Clinical Senates in supporting local service reconfiguration.
Details
Project Status: Completed
Year Published: 2015
URL for published report: http://www.journalslibrary.nihr.ac.uk/hsdr/hsdr03090/#/abstract
English language abstract: An English language summary is available
Publication Type: Not Assigned
Country: England, United Kingdom
MeSH Terms
  • Delivery of Health Care
Contact
Organisation Name: NIHR Health Services and Delivery Research programme
Contact Address: NIHR Journals Library, National Institute for Health and Care Research, Evaluation, Trials and Studies Coordinating Centre, Alpha House, University of Southampton Science Park, Southampton SO16 7NS, UK
Contact Name: journals.library@nihr.ac.uk
Contact Email: journals.library@nihr.ac.uk
Copyright: Queen's Printer and Controller of HMSO
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